dishwashing brush magnetically engaging a sink

ABSTRACT

An assembly of a sink magnetically engaging a dishwashing brush, one of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet and the other of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet or a magnetically permeable material. In one embodiment, the brush comprises a first and a second part, the first part being adapted to be grasped by a user, and the second part comprising bristles, the first and second part each having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts having a non-zero angle there between, the sink comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable material at a position at a side thereof, the sink having an upper rim and a center portion, and the brush comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable material in a position so that, when engaging the sink, the second part is positioned over the sink and within the upper rim, whereas the first part extends above the upper rim and away from the center portion of the sink.

The present invention relates to an assembly of a sink and a brush magnetically engaging each other so that drips from the bristles fall into the sink while the brush handle is not polluted from lying in the sink.

This type of engagement of brushes may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,782,799 and US2005/0156085. However, these references relate to other types of brushes and other types of uses. Also, compared to e.g. a paint container, a sink must be readily available for other uses than those related to the brush. Thus, the brush should take up as little space as possible in and above the sink.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an assembly of a sink magnetically engaging a dishwashing brush, one of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet and the other of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet or a magnetically permeable material.

In the present context, a dishwashing brush is to be interpreted broadly, as a number of different types of brushes are used in the vicinity of a sink in e.g. a kitchen. However, all such brushes normally have an end for engagement or grasping by a user, and the other end has bristles—or different types of foams or the like—which after use may be wet, dripping or otherwise dirty, and it is desired to ensure that this water/dirt is not spread to outside the sink while, according to the invention, it is desired that the handle is maintained clean and ready for grasping.

Different types of embodiments may be derived, each having different advantages.

In a first embodiment:

-   -   the brush comprises a first and a second part, the first part         being adapted to be grasped by a user, and the second part         comprising bristles, the first and second part each having a         longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second         parts having a non-zero angle there between,     -   the sink comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable material         at a position at a side thereof, the sink having an upper rim         and a center portion, and     -   the brush comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable         material in a position so that, when engaging the sink, the         second part is positioned over the sink and within the upper         rim, whereas the first part extends above the upper rim and away         from the center portion of the sink.

The brush of the assembly has a second part comprising bristles (or other elements, such as foams, nonwovens or the like) extending therefrom or attached thereto. The longitudinal axes of the second part is an axis of the element from which the bristles extends and normally extends from an intersection between the first and second parts of the brush.

Then, when engaging the sink by the magnetical engagement, the first part extends from a position inside the rim portion of the sink (when projected on to a horizontal plane when positioned for normal use) to outside the sink.

This ensures both that the first part may easily be grasped and that it does not take up unnecessary space above the sink. A sink has multiple functions, many of which are not related to the brush. Thus, by angling the first part away from the center of the sink and outside the rim portion thereof, the space above the sink is available for the other uses, such as the dispensing of water from a tap, pouring water or other elements into the sink (such as into a sieve), or the dispensing of waste in the sink via a “grinder”.

Preferably, the brush has a protrusion adapted to be adjacent to or abutting the rim portion, when the brush engages the sink. This facilitates positioning the brush so as to obtain the magnetic engagement. Preferably, the protrusion is positioned at the side where the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts is the smallest. It is also preferred that the protrusion and the magnet/permeable material is positioned at the opposite side of the bristles, so that the first part takes up as little space as possible in and above the sink.

In another embodiment, a handle of the brush, when magnetically engaging the sink, points in a direction away from a bottom of the sink

In one situation, the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the sink is positioned at the bottom thereof and where the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the brush is positioned at an end thereof opposite to the handle. Thus, any position at the bottom of the sink may be chosen for engaging the brush. The position of the magnet/material of the brush may be chosen so that the handle of the brush points away from the bottom and preferably at least substantially vertically away from the bottom.

In another situation, the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the sink is positioned at a side thereof at a predetermined distance from the bottom and where the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the brush is positioned in or at the handle. Again, any position of the sink may be chosen for engaging the brush. The fastening at the handle end at a predetermined distance from the bottom ensures that the handle is maintained clean even though waste is poured into the sink.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a brush for use in the above assemblies.

In one aspect, the brush comprises:

-   -   a first and a second part, the first part being adapted to be         grasped by a user, and the second part comprising bristles, the         first and second part each having a longitudinal axis, the         longitudinal axes of the first and second parts having a         non-zero angle there between, and     -   a magnet or magnetically permeable material provided at a first         side of the brush where the angle between the longitudinal axes         of the first and second parts is the smallest.

Preferably, as is also mentioned above, this brush also has a projection positioned at the first side. In this situation, the projection may be adapted to abut or be positioned adjacent to a rim portion of a sink.

In another situation, the magnet or magnetically permeable material of the brush is positioned at an end portion thereof opposite a handle thereof.

In yet another situation, the magnet or magnetically permeable material is positioned at or in a handle thereof.

A third aspect according to the invention relates to a sink for use in the above assemblies, the sink comprising a magnet positioned in a material of the sink wall or bottom or which is fixed to an outer surface of the sink.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a dishwashing brush,

FIG. 2 shows the principle of the idea,

FIG. 3 shows a brush where a magnet is attached to the outer surface of a sink,

FIG. 4 shows a brush where the magnetic material is pressed into the top side of the head,

FIG. 5 shows the same structure as FIG. 3, but here the magnet is inside the head of the dishwashing brush,

FIG. 6 shows the same structure as FIG. 4, but here the magnet is on the topside indentation of the head of the dishwashing brush,

FIG. 7 shows a structure where two magnets attract each other,

FIG. 8 shows a structure where two magnets attract each other,

FIG. 9 shows a structure where a magnetic material is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIG. 10 shows a structure where a magnet is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIG. 11 shows a structure where a magnet is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIG. 12 shows a way to attach a magnetic material to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIG. 13 shows a way to attach a magnetic material to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIG. 14 shows a way to attach a magnet to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head,

FIGS. 15 to 21 show different ways to position the brush in the sink,

FIG. 22 shows different way to fit a magnet or magnetic material to a thin sink,

FIG. 23 shows different ways to fit a magnet or magnetic material to a thick sink,

FIG. 23A shows a magnet or magnetic material attached to the inside of the sink,

FIG. 23B shows a magnet or magnetic material in an indentation in the inside of the sink,

FIG. 23C shows a magnet or magnetic material inside the material of the sink,

FIG. 23D shows a magnet or magnetic material in an indentation in the outer surface of the sink,

FIG. 23E shows a magnet or magnetic material attached to the outer surface of the sink,

TERMS

1. Upper side of handle

2. Bottom of handle

3. Upper side of head

4. Edge of head

5. Bristles

6. Bulge

7. Underside of head

8. Head

Position Numbers Used

10. Magnet

11. Magnetic attracting material

12. Sink

Principle

FIG. 2 shows the principle of the idea.

A dishwashing brush is stored inside the sink when the brush is not in use. The brush is attached to the sink by magnetic force.

The brush is moved near the storage place.

When the brush is near the inner surface of the sink, FIG. 2B shows a magnet or magnetic material attached to the outer surface of the sink, the magnetic force will automatically draw the brush into the right position

The brush is kept in a position where it is easy to catch again, and the position makes sure that drips from the brush will drip into the sink.

The magnetic force is achieved by the attraction between a magnet and a magnetic material, or between two magnets. The FIGS. 3 to 14 show different ways to incorporate magnets and magnetic materials in a dishwashing brush.

FIG. 3 shows a brush where a magnet (10) is attached to the outer surface of a sink (12), and a magnetic material (11) is incorporated into the head of the dishwashing brush. This has the advantage that the magnetic material is invisible in the dishwashing brush and furthermore there is no risk that the material can damage the tableware, pots etc. A further advantage with this structure is that the dishwashing brush is not magnetic, and will therefore not attract pots or other tableware of magnetic material.

FIG. 4 shows a brush where the magnetic material (11) is pressed into the top side of the head. The magnetic material (11) is in the same level as the top side of the head, or a little below to prevent contact to the tableware, pots etc. A magnet (10) is attached to the outer surface of a sink (12). When the magnetic material (11) is attached in this way the production process is simple. When the dishwashing brush is moulded an indentation is made and the magnetic material just has to be pressed into the top side of the head.

FIG. 5 shows the same structure as FIG. 3, but here the magnet (10) is inside the head of the dishwashing brush, and the magnetic material (11) is on the outer surface of the sink (12).

FIG. 6 shows the same structure as FIG. 4, but here the magnet (10) is on the topside indentation of the head of the dishwashing brush, and the magnetic material (11) is on the outer surface of the sink (12).

FIG. 7 shows a structure where two magnets (10), attract each other. One magnet is inside the head of the dishwashing brush, and another is on the outer surface of the sink (12). The advantage is that magnetic force is higher than when only one magnet is used, and therefore the dish wash brush catches its position easier and from a longer distance.

FIG. 8 shows a structure where two magnets (10), attract each other. One magnet is on the topside indentation of the head of the dishwashing brush, and another is on the outer surface of the sink (12). The advantage is that magnetic force is higher than when only one magnet is used, and therefore the dish wash brush catches its position easier and from a longer distance.

FIG. 9 shows a structure where a magnetic material (11) is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnetic material (11) can be attached with glue, double-sided adhesive tape etc. On the outer surface of the sink (12) the magnet (10) is attached. This structure has the advantage that the magnetic material (11) can easily be attached to a standard brush. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnetic material (11) can be coated with a non stick material.

FIG. 10 shows a structure where a magnet (10) is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnet (10) can be attached with glue, double-sided adhesive tape etc. On the outer surface of the sink (12) the magnetic material (11) is attached. This structure has the advantage that the magnet (10) can easily be attached to a standard brush. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnet (10) can be coated with a non stick material.

FIG. 11 shows a structure where a magnet (10) is attached to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnet (10) can be attached with glue, double-sided adhesive tape etc. On the backside of the sink (12) another magnet (10) is attached. This structure has the advantage that the magnet (10) on the brush can easily be attached to a standard brush. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnet (10) on the brush can be coated with a non stick material.

FIG. 12 shows a way to attach a Magnetic material (11) to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnetic material (11) is shaped in a way that it can slide or be clicked into the position on the brush. This has the advantage that the magnetic material can be reused by transferring it from one brush to the next. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnetic material (11) can be coated with a non stick material.

FIG. 13 shows a way to attach a Magnetic material (11) to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnetic material (11) is shaped in a way that it can slide into a recess in the upper side of the brush head. This has the advantage that the magnetic material can be reused by transferring it from one brush to the next. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnetic material (11) can be coated with a non stick material.

FIG. 14 shows a way to attach a Magnet (10) to the upper side of the dishwashing brush head. The magnet (10) is pressed into a hole in the topside of the brush. This has the advantage that the production process is simple, because the hole in upper side of the brush head can be integrated in a standard moulding tool. To prevent scratches in the tableware, pots etc., the magnet (10) can be coated with a non-stick material.

The FIGS. 15 to 21 show different ways to position the brush in the sink. Each has a different advantage. In all of them the magnet can be placed in the brush, and the magnetic material on the outer surface of the sink, or the magnetic material in the brush and the magnet on the outer surface of the sink, or a magnet in the brush and a magnet on the outer surface of the sink. In the following these combinations are named the “attracting unit”.

FIG. 15 shows a structure where the attracting unit is placed in the front of the brush. With this structure the advantage is that the brush can be rotated in the position that fits the user best. Another advantage is that the brush is relatively hidden in the sink.

FIG. 16 shows a structure where the attracting unit is placed on the upper side of the brush head. In this structure a bulge (6) can be added on the upper side of the handle. When this bulge is placed in a way that it will rest on the edge of the sink, the stability of the holding system will be improved

FIG. 17 shows a structure where the attracting unit is placed on the side of the brush. This has the advantage that the brush can be positioned in a angled position where it is easy to catch.

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show a structure where the attracting unit is placed just where the handle meets the head of the brush. This structure allows the brush to be placed in different practical positions as shown in the FIGS. 18, 19 and 20

FIG. 21 shows a structure where the attracting unit is placed in the end of the handle. The advantage is that the brush can be hidden in the sink and with the handle is in a good position to catch

FIG. 22 shows different way to fit a magnet (10) or magnetic material to a thin sink (12). The magnet (10) or magnetic material can be placed inside the sink as shown on FIG. 22A, or on the outer surface of the sink as shown on FIG. 22B. When placed on the outer surface of the sink (22B) there will be no obstacles when cleaning the sink.

FIG. 23 shows different ways to fit a magnet (10) or magnetic material to a thick sink.

FIG. 23A shows a magnet (10) or magnetic material attached to the inside of the sink.

FIG. 23B shows a magnet (10) or magnetic material in an indentation in the inside of the sink.

FIG. 23C shows a magnet (10) or magnetic material inside the material of the sink. FIG. 23D shows a magnet (10) or magnetic material in an indentation in the outer surface of the sink.

FIG. 23E shows a magnet (10) or magnetic material attached to the outer surface of the sink. 

1-12. (canceled)
 13. An assembly of a sink magnetically engaging a dishwashing brush, one of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet and the other of the sink and the brush comprising a magnet or a magnetically permeable material.
 14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein: the brush comprises a first and a second part, the first part being adapted to be grasped by a user, and the second part comprising bristles, the first and second part each having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts having a non-zero angle there between, the sink comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable material at a position at a side thereof, the sink having an upper rim and a center portion, and the brush comprises the magnet or magnetically permeable material in a position so that, when engaging the sink, the second part is positioned over the sink and within the upper rim, whereas the first part extends above the upper rim and away from the center portion of the sink.
 15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the brush has a protrusion adapted to be adjacent to or abutting the rim portion, when the brush engages the sink.
 16. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein a handle of the brush, when magnetically engaging the sink, points in a direction away from a bottom of the sink.
 17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the sink is positioned at the bottom and where the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the brush is positioned in or at the handle.
 18. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the sink is positioned at a side thereof at a predetermined distance from the bottom and where the magnet/magnetically permeable material of the brush is positioned in or at the handle.
 19. A brush for use in the assembly according to claim
 13. 20. A brush according to claim 19, the brush comprising: a first and a second part, the first part being adapted to be grasped by a user, and the second part comprising bristles, the first and second part each having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts having a non-zero angle there between, and a magnet or magnetically permeable material provided at a first side of the brush where the angle between the longitudinal axes of the first and second parts is the smallest.
 21. A brush according to claim 19, further comprising a projection positioned at the first side.
 22. A brush for use in the assembly according to claim 17, the magnet or magnetically permeable material being positioned at an end portion thereof opposite a handle thereof.
 23. A brush for use in the assembly according to claim 18, the magnet or magnetically permeable material being positioned at or in a handle thereof.
 24. A sink for use in the assembly according to claim 13, the sink comprising a magnet positioned in a material of the sink wall or bottom or which is fixed to an outer surface of the sink. 